In 1851 when gold was discovered, central Victoria was struck with gold fever. Tens of thousands of hopeful prospectors left China, Canada, the United States and Europe for the goldfields of southern Australia. The townships that sprang up around those gold diggings prospered.
Discover the opulent legacy of the mid-1800s gold rush in the architecture, parks and hotels of Bendigo, Ballarat and surrounding towns.
Ballarat – Built on Gold
Ballarat, one of Victoria’s largest cities, was built on gold and that wealth is still on display in the city’s landscape. Visit Sovereign Hill – an open-air museum – to re-live the gold rush. This authentic re-creation of a 19th century mining town features the Blood on the Southern Cross light and sound spectacular, which re-creates an historical moment in Australian history, and the opportunity to pan for real gold.
Discover some of Australia’s most important art collections in the region’s galleries such as the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery. Ballarat Wildlife Park is another must-see attraction, offering close contact with koalas, wombats and kangaroos amid natural bushland.
Discover Bendigo’s Treasures
Bendigo’s rich history is reflected in its elegant sandstone buildings, century-old gardens and beautiful, established trees. Cafés, art galleries and boutique shops line the streets, and Bendigo’s Chinese heritage is on display at Golden Dragon Museum. To fully experience 19th-century Australia, go underground on a one-hour tour of the Central Deborah Gold Mine.
Treasures can also be found at farm gates and local eateries, including homemade pies and locally farmed organic beef, or catch your own dinner at a local trout farm.
A Gold Mine of Wine and History
Sample beautiful local wines on the Great Grape Touring Route, and visit some of the charming
smaller towns, vineyards and orchards. See the historic buildings and antique shops of Castlemaine, the beautifully maintained mining township of Maldon, or visit Clunes, home of the first gold discovery in Victoria, and a location for the Australian film Ned Kelly.